South Sudan Celebrates African Vaccination Week 2025 with New Vaccine Introductions
Proud Mother Advocates for Immunization as Key to Family Health
Juba, South Sudan – Mrs. Lavina Mariba, a 32-year-old resident of Juba, proudly celebrated the launch of African Vaccination Week 2025 with her family fully vaccinated. “All my children are fully vaccinated, my husband and I as well,” said Mariba. “My children have not fallen ill for the past eight months, and I believe this is the work of vaccines. I am proud of it.”
Mariba joined her community at Kator Primary Health Care Centre to mark the occasion, highlighting the importance of immunization in safeguarding family health.
50 Years of Immunization Progress
From April 24 to 30, South Sudan commemorates African Vaccination Week (AVW) under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”. This year’s celebration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which has saved millions of lives from vaccine-preventable diseases.
South Sudan’s Immunization Milestones
Since 1976, South Sudan has progressively introduced life-saving vaccines:
- BCG, OPV, DTP, measles (first dose), and TT vaccines (1976)
- Pentavalent vaccine (2015)
- Inactivated Polio Vaccine (2016)
- Tetanus-diphtheria booster (2021)
- Malaria vaccine (2024)
New Vaccines Introduced in 2025
With support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, South Sudan is adding three critical vaccines to its routine immunization program:
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV): Protects against pneumonia, meningitis
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Prevents severe diarrhea
- Second dose of Measles Vaccine (MCV2): Enhances measles protection
Government and Partners Commit to Health Equity
Dr. Anin Ngot Mou, Under-Secretary of South Sudan’s Ministry of Health, emphasized: “Individual health is a personal responsibility. While we introduce new vaccines, the choice to protect your family rests with you.”
WHO Representative Dr. Humphrey Karamagi noted: “Vaccination is our most cost-effective life-saving tool. Prioritizing women and children builds a healthier population.”
The “Big Catch-Up” Initiative
To address immunization gaps, South Sudan launched a national campaign targeting:
- 146,054 zero-dose children
- 30 priority counties
- Children under five who missed routine vaccinations
Immunization Impact in Africa
Key achievements since 2011:
- 180+ million people vaccinated
- 120 million received Vitamin A supplements
- 100 million children dewormed
Globally, immunization saves 3 million lives annually, with 50 million lives saved in Africa alone.
Contact Information
Ministry of Health: Mary Denis Obat | mobat43@gmail.com | +211 924 887 006
WHO: Alice Rutaremara | rutaremaraa@who.int | +211 921 887 748
UNICEF: Garang Abraham | gdiit@unicef.org | +211 922 583 372